On my Visa bill today I found a mysterious charge of 79.95 next to a 1-800 phone number. I called and found out this company, CIC or consumerinfo.com, has been charging me annually since 2002. I apparently filed for a credit report five years ago, which is true, and unknowingly signed up for some kind of credit monitoring service.

Furthermore, they sent these reports and bill receipts to an email address I haven't used since 2002. So, even though their emails to me are bouncing back, they feel justified in charging me for their reports.

They promised to refund this year's charge, but not the other $320 they bilked out of me over the years.

Others on this site have said CIC billed them monthly. Why was I charged annually? Is it because they know I'm less likely to find one charge versus 12?

What can a person do? How is it that bastards like this are never held accountable?